Cruising Through History, A 3-State Tour From Watch Hill

SARAH CODYFox CT

This timeless trip begins with a classic ride.

"The car is a 1913 Model T," says Captain Jack Spratt, as he greets his guests at Rhode Island's famed Ocean House.

His old Ford takes folks on a scenic drive through Watch Hill, but that's not all. At the cove, they board a restored yacht called Encore and head out for a sightseeing tour that's both historic and gorgeous.

"It's a very interesting area, a beautiful area. I'm particularly interested in the history, Colonial history, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812," says this seasoned sailor who donates all proceeds of the charters to the Mystic Seaport.

Passengers see the shores of Stonington, the Latimer Reef Light and the beautiful homes of exclusive Fishers Island. Harbor seals still languish nearby on rocks before their yearly trip north.

"Because the population has grown, there's more of them around and they stay a little bit later," says Spratt, who also invites the public on his sailboat Trim Again.

After a view of inventor Dean Kamen's quirky home on North Dumpling Island, visitors head to Ford's Lobster in Noank for lunch. The trip touches the waters of three states: Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York.

"No matter where people come from, they're really taken aback by the place," says Spratt.

The tour costs $300 for a group of up to six. Spratt is also offering tours to observe the restored whaling ship The Charles W. Morgan as she sets sail this summer.